vainest

1 definition found

vainest - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Vain \Vain\ (v[=a]n), a. [Compar. Vainer; superl. Vainest.]
     [F. vain, L. vanus empty, void, vain. Cf. Vanish, Vanity,
     Vaunt to boast.]
     1. Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty;
        void; worthless; unsatisfying. "Thy vain excuse." --Shak.
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              Every man walketh in a vain show.     --Ps. xxxix.
                                                    6.
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              Let no man deceive you with vain words. --Eph. v. 6.
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              Vain pomp, and glory of this world, I hate ye!
                                                    --Shak.
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              Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy. --Milton.
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     2. Destitute of force or efficacy; effecting no purpose;
        fruitless; ineffectual; as, vain toil; a vain attempt.
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              Bring no more vain oblations.         --Isa. i. 13.
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              Vain is the force of man
              To crush the pillars which the pile sustain.
                                                    --Dryden.
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     3. Proud of petty things, or of trifling attainments; having
        a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight
        reason; conceited; puffed up; inflated.
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              But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart
              from works is barren?                 --James ii. 20
                                                    (Rev. Ver.).
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              The minstrels played on every side,
              Vain of their art.                    --Dryden.
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     4. Showy; ostentatious.
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              Load some vain church with old theatric state.
                                                    --Pope.
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     Syn: Empty; worthless; fruitless; ineffectual; idle; unreal;
          shadowy; showy; ostentatious; light; inconstant;
          deceitful; delusive; unimportant; trifling.
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